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This reflection and PowerPoint presentation were part of an assignment in the course Policy and Justice in an Aging Society (Year 2, Semester 1) in the Social Service Worker Gerontology program. The purpose of this assignment was to engage in advocacy work on issues and promote change and solutions by raising awareness.

Jenna describes her process for advocating for change "I decided to advocate for change to the lack of accessibility of sidewalks. I chose to focus on this because it is an issue I see everywhere, it effects a lot of people including seniors, people with disabilities or parents with strollers. I started this project researching what the accessibility standards are for sidewalks in Ontario; I was very shocked to discover that there were many regulations put in place to improve safety and accessibility of sidewalks back in 2005, as per the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. However, from what I see and experience very few towns follow these standards. So I took photos of the inaccessible sidewalks within my home town of Alton to have evidence to show others who were unaware, started a petition and asked community members of their experience with using the sidewalks. Through this community engagement I received the opportunity to delegate at the Town of Caledon’s Accessibility Advisory Committee where I presented my findings to them. I gained many skills that will help me as a Social Service Work including; how to advocate for change, better presentation skills, and how to conduct research and interviews."